Downsizing’s painful; avoid pitfalls

  • Associated Press
  • Thursday, April 30, 2009 7:54pm
  • Business

The decision to cut jobs can be painful, but mistakes during that process can bring more troubles for a company down the road. Executive search firm Salveson Stetson Group lists four common mistakes to avoid during layoffs:

  • Not cutting deeply enough the first time. A second or third round of downsizing can have a negative impact on employee morale.
  • Neglecting the survivors. The employees who stay often have to take on more work with fewer resources, and are still reeling from the loss of their colleagues. Let them know you appreciate them.
  • Failing to realize the cost of not filling a position.
  • Forgetting that downturns create opportunities. You’ve got your team’s attention, and the climate is ripe for a new way of operating.
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